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Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing

The Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE MSN) program is designed for people holding baccalaureate or graduate degrees in disciplines other than nursing and who are interested in pursuing both their Registered Nurse (RN) License and Master of Science in Nursing degree. After successfully completing their rigorous academic and clinical training, AE MSN graduates are expected to assume entry-level positions and to advance rapidly in their nursing careers as they acquire experience in the field.

AE MSN students choose from one of seven concentration areas on which to focus their academic and clinical work (click on the link for a program description and degree plan):

Each concentration area follows a designated plan of coursework consisting of graduate level RN foundation courses and courses specific to the student’s area of study.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

The AE MSN program requires the completion of nine (9) prerequisite courses prior to enrolling in the program. The prerequisite courses include:

Prerequisite courses for AE-MSN program
Courses Credit Hours
Human Anatomy 4 - including lab
Human Physiology 4- including lab
Chemistry I 3
Microbiology 2
Genetics 2
Pharmacology 3
Human Growth & Development 3
Nutrition 3
Statistics 3

Please see AE MSN Prerequisites (PDF) for additional details on the required prerequisite courses, including course numbers at various institutions and online course options.

Course of Study

  • The Foundation Year: The AE program is designed to satisfy RN licensure requirements and train students in advanced practice* and specialty nursing roles. The first year of the program is an intensive, full-time series of foundation courses. The AE foundation courses are accelerated, specially designed graduate courses. These courses include content and experiences that are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and are required for graduate-level study in nursing. All foundation courses must be completed before students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The sequence of AE MSN foundation courses begins in the first summer session of the program, and full-time enrollment during the foundation sequence is required.
  • Master’s Coursework: After passing the NCLEX-RN and obtaining their RN license, students are eligible to work as an RN in Texas only. The second and third years of the program focus on the coursework required for the Master of Science in Nursing degree in the student's chosen concentration area. The MSN degree is typically awarded in the spring of the third year.
  • Gerontology Portfolio: The portfolio programs in Gerontology prepare students for academic research or practical careers in the field of gerontology. Increasingly, prospective employers nationwide are demanding a certificate program in gerontology. There are growing and diverse needs for professionals with core knowledge and understanding of aging research and best practice approaches. The certificate program requires 12 credit hours distributed between foundation courses and elective seminars. In addition, students may engage in aging research (basic or applied) or practicum with both well and frail older adults, and will be given credit for this course work as part of existing requirements in their major program of study (home department). Please visit Gerontology Portfolio for additional information.

Admission

Please see Admissions Requirements and Application Procedures for detailed information on the admission process.

For further information or to schedule an appointment about the Graduate Program, contact Scott Lauger, Administrative Assistant, Graduate Student Affairs Office.

Alternate Entry (AE) Masters Program Statement

“The Alternate Entry (AE) Masters Program is an accelerated program of study leading to a Master's in Nursing degree for persons with baccalaureate or higher degrees outside nursing. Students are considered graduate students upon enrollment into the AE Program. AE Program courses have been especially designed for accelerated matriculation in the context of a Master's degree in nursing. The opportunity for RN licensure after completing foundation courses (first 15 months of the current program) was granted by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE) 1) to signify a beginning level of achievement in nursing, and 2) to enable students to qualify for federal funding designated for registered nurses. Thus, the RN licensure is not to be construed by students as an exit point or a substitute for the BSN degree. Consequently, applicants to the AE program who, in reality, desire a BSN degree should apply, instead, to the undergraduate program in nursing, not the AE program.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the Graduate FAQs (PDF Format) for more information on the graduate programs.